Media Resource Manual 2

by Father Ambrosio Pereira, SDB

Port Moresby PNG, July 29, 2023 -- Communication forms the fabric of all our relationships. It is communication that improves the quality of our lives. Science and the advancement of technology have changed the landscape of our communication. It has made it possible for us to connect and network with people from all over the world. "The genius of man has produced, with God's help, marvelous technical inventions to improve our time" (Inter Mirifica no.1).

Technology has opened us up to Eucharistic celebrations, working from home, online meetings, study sessions, and a variety of celebrations. The digital world has been our connection to friends, family, and loved ones during the COVID-19 isolation. But the pandemic has also erected barriers between us and our family, friends, and loved ones. We are losing a human connection as we become immersed in our digital world.

Pope Francis has titled in the message of World Communication Day 2022 as: "Listen with the ear of the heart". He reminds us that true listening is the foundation of genuine human relationships and is very necessary in our relationship with God and with all human persons. Quoting Saint Paul, the Holy Father said that "faith comes by hearing." He remarked: "Listening corresponds to God's humble style", which is revealed by speaking and listening to men and recognizing in them his collaborators in the work of building the kingdom. Human beings are called to 'be willing to listen', as God calls them to a covenant of love.

In Understanding Media (1964), Marshal McLuhan talks about the medium and the message, reminding us that the media affect and permeate society and culture. Technology now permeates our minds and changes our value system. We need to constantly remind ourselves that communication is not about the device, device, or equipment, but about the person, the message, the network, and most of all, the relationship.

Taking into account the above, the Social Communication Sector of the Salesians of Don Bosco, under the direction of Fr. Gildásio Mendes dos Santos, highlighted the Spirituality of Communications. Next, the team focused on the biblical, synodal, Salesian, institutional and youth ministry aspects of communication. He reinforced the idea that communication is the person, the message, the network and the relationship. Understanding this reality will bring a spiritual heritage that will lead to honesty and happiness in our daily lives.

The Salesian Commission for Social Communication of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (PGS), in collaboration with the Catholic Episcopal Conference of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands (CBC PNGSI), considers it vital and has collaborated in the different ZOOM online sessions in 2021 and 2022. This Resource Manual 2 is an effort to share the sessions from 2021. We hope that many will benefit from the sessions presented.

Thanks to all who have attended and shared the sessions with their communities and groups. My thanks to Abigail Seta, who did the editing and material design for this Media Resource Manual-2. Deep thanks to Signis, Missio and Caritas Australia for supporting this publication. Thanks to Star Printers for their enthusiasm and commitment to completing the task.

Media Resource Manual 2: MRM Brochure 19.pdf